A heart-wrenching tragedy unfolded Wednesday morning on U.S. Highway 83 at the intersection of Market Street, where a rollover accident resulted in the death of a 7-year-old child. According to local authorities, the child was ejected from the vehicle during the crash and pronounced dead at the scene. Preliminary investigations have confirmed that the young victim was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident, casting a harsh spotlight on vehicle safety practices just as the national “Click It or Ticket” campaign officially kicks off.

Details of the Crash

The accident occurred at approximately 8:30 a.m., when a southbound SUV reportedly lost control while navigating the intersection. Witnesses described the vehicle swerving before flipping multiple times. Emergency responders arrived within minutes, but tragically, nothing could be done to save the young passenger who had been thrown from the vehicle. The driver and another passenger sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Authorities have not yet released the identity of the child, citing the need to notify extended family members. Investigators continue to examine the crash site and vehicle to determine contributing factors, including speed, road conditions, and potential mechanical failure. However, officials have stressed that the lack of seatbelt use was a critical element in the fatal outcome.

A Preventable Tragedy

“This is a devastating reminder of how crucial seatbelt use is, especially for our most vulnerable passengers—our children,” said Sergeant Maria Delgado of the Department of Public Safety during a press conference later in the day. “This child’s life may very well have been saved by something as simple as buckling up.”

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), seatbelts reduce the risk of death for front-seat passengers by 45% and the risk of serious injury by 50%. For children, the proper use of booster seats and seatbelts tailored to their size is not just a recommendation—it is often a life-saving necessity.

Texas law requires all passengers, regardless of seating position, to be secured by a seatbelt or child safety seat. Fines and court costs for failing to buckle up can total up to $200, but as officials have stressed, the real cost is far greater when a life is lost.

“Click It or Ticket” Campaign Begins

The timing of the crash has added a sobering tone to the beginning of the annual “Click It or Ticket” enforcement campaign, which began this week and runs through June 2. The campaign aims to heighten awareness of seatbelt laws and reduce traffic fatalities through increased law enforcement presence and public outreach.

“This is not just about handing out tickets,” said Sheriff Alan Matthews of [County Name]. “It’s about saving lives. We don’t want to knock on another parent’s door with tragic news. This incident should be a wake-up call for all of us.”

In recent years, officials have noted an alarming rise in unrestrained fatalities across the state, especially during the summer months when travel increases. Children, in particular, are at high risk if not properly restrained. The NHTSA recommends that all children under 13 ride in the back seat and that child safety seats be used until seatbelts fit properly, typically when a child reaches 4 feet 9 inches in height.

Community Response and Resources

As the community mourns the loss of a young life, local leaders and safety advocates are rallying to promote better vehicle safety practices. Counseling and grief support services are being made available to the family and school community of the victim.

Additionally, the [Local Police Department] has announced a free car seat inspection clinic this weekend, encouraging parents to have their child restraint systems checked for proper installation and suitability for their child’s age and size.

A Call to Action

This devastating incident serves as a painful yet powerful reminder that safety precautions should never be overlooked. Authorities are urging all drivers and passengers—especially those transporting children—to take seatbelt use seriously and to commit to the simple act of buckling up every single time.

“No parent should have to bury a child because of something so preventable,” said Sergeant Delgado. “Let this loss remind us all that seatbelts save lives—if they’re worn.”

As investigations continue, and the summer travel season heats up, the message from law enforcement is clear: Click It or Ticket. And more importantly, Click It to Live.